Starting with the Labour party they have selected Emma Lowell-Buck a South Tyneside councillor. Mrs Lewell-Buck said after being selected "I’m honoured to have been selected by local members to be their candidate at this by-election. I have lived in South Tyneside all my life. I’m incredibly passionate about the future of this area. We have a strong community which has come through many challenges because of the spirit of local people. Under the Tory-led government too many families in this town are struggling to keep their heads above water. Too many of our young people are working hard through their school years only to find no job at the end of it. Too many of the most vulnerable of our residents are finding the services they rely upon cut by the Tories."
The Conservative party have also selected a female candidate. Karen Allen, who also contested the seat in 2010. On being selected Ms Allen said: "I’m delighted to have been selected as the Conservative candidate for South Shields. This is a community that has been hit hard by Labour’s record of economic failure but thanks to Conservatives in Government we are turning that around. I know that times are hard for people across South Shields, but as their candidate I will stand up for everyone in the constituency who wants to work hard and get on."
The Liberal Democrats have selected Hugh Annand on being selected Mr Annand said: "I'm looking forward to taking the Liberal Democrat message of a stronger economy and fairer society out on the doorstep in South Shields. Having worked in manufacturing myself, I understand how vital sustainable, skilled jobs are for local people in the North East. And I'm proud that the Liberal Democrats in government have secured a £700 tax cut for 30,000 South Shieldsworkers. Thanks to the Lib Dems, more than 3,500 of the lowest-paid workers in the area have been lifted out of income tax altogether. Labour have taken South Shields - and the North East in general - for granted. Despite having a high profile former minister as an MP, the area hasn't had the attention or investment it desperately needs. We need an MP who will be a local champion for South Shields in Parliament, focused on getting the best deal for local people."
The United Kingdom Independence Party have selected Richard Elvin who finished second in the Middlesbrough by-election last year, with 12% of the vote. On being selected Mr Elvin said "I am delighted to be selected. This is an area I know very well and truly love. To have the chance to fight to represent the people of South Shields is an honour. Unlike previous politicians who were parachuted in to a safe seat in order to get into cabinet, my focus and drive is to serve the local area. I really believe UKIP common sense policies are what are desperately needed in the North East. The region has the highest level of unemployment in the country. School and college leavers need good jobs to go to in the area; jobs in manufacturing and management, jobs that go hand in hand with a blossoming local economy. We need to wean communities off welfare dependency and reinstate traditions of hard work and self-sufficiency. I trained as a teacher here and have seen the results of successive Labour MPs and what they have allowed to happen in South Shields. It's time for a shift in British politics and I believe that the only party to deliver that change is UKIP."
The writ for the by-election is expected to be moved by the Opposition Chief Whip, Rosie Winterton, on Monday in the House of Commons before Defence Questions at 14:30. Therefore nominations are still open. Its thought the date of the by-election will be May 2nd which is the same date as the English county council elections.
